Interview with TRUE

Singer-songwriter TRUE is responsible for popular theme songs for anime such as "Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans", "Sound Euphonium", and "Violet Evergarden". Ahead of her performance at Anisong World Matsuri at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City as part of Anime NYC, she speaks to JaME about her latest songs, lyric writing and more.

Why did you pick “TRUE” as your stage name?

TRUE: My label and I chose that name together. I've done a lot of searching, but this final destination is where I am supposed to be, that's the meaning behind my name.

What message do you want to convey through "Violet Evergarden"’s opening song Sincerely?

TRUE: I thought a lot about the meaning of love for "Violet Evergarden" and Sincerely. At the end of the day, I couldn't really find the right answer, but I think it's important to continue thinking about it. I would like everyone to consider what it means to "love somebody" when they listen to this song.

Do you share any personality traits with the character Violet Evergarden? If so, what are they?

TRUE: It's my livelihood to express myself in words, so it was a very difficult task to play a girl who doesn't have any means to convey her words. But at the same time, she's fragile like a clear glass ball, so she felt precious to me. It's not really about direct similarities, but she does make me want to protect her forever.

What did you think about as you wrote the lyrics for Another Colony?

TRUE: Because this song was featured as the ending song for the anime "Tensei Shitara Slime Datte Ken", I wrote from the point of view of the main character, Liam. I wanted to write a strong song that said, "Never give up," so this also is a song about myself. From this single, I started working with a new group of creative people and staff, so Another Colony is the first project from the new structure. It was a very positive change, and a lot of new ideas were born through the many discussions we had, like "Forgiveness is the answer, and we should never give up."

TRUE: It was based on the concept of a passionate love song about longing for your partner even though you know you are going to get hurt. I think it's perfect for the brilliant Ms. Chihara. There's some Japanese melody mixed in, so I hope people all over the world can enjoy.

What’s the most interesting or challenging part of writing lyrics for other people?

TRUE: Voice actors deliver their lines, and there's a director who guides them, but singers should not be told too much how to sing — they can produce more interesting music if you let them be free. I change the feel of the lyrics depending on who I am writing for. It’s actually more difficult to write songs for myself because I don't really understand myself.

What’s the inspiration behind Lonely Queen’s Liberation Party?

TRUE: It's been four years since I started calling myself TRUE, but when I first started becoming an anisong singer, I had this clear vision of what my job entailed. Like I felt the need to be the person my younger self aspired to. But the more I chased my aspirations, I realized that I can never obtain it. So if I can't reach it, then I can still sing about chasing it . My world expanded so much once I accepted my flaws. I felt so liberated. So for my third album Lonely Queen's Liberation Party, I think I was able to successfully express my mental conflict in a way I hadn't really done before.

What can fans expect from your upcoming performance at Anisong World Matsuri at Anime NYC?

TRUE: I'm excited that I can bring my songs directly to New York. To singers like me, those moments are precious. I'll really do my best on stage, so I want everyone to have fun and trustingly give your heart to me. A concert like this is a once in a life time experience, so please enjoy the moments you can only experience on that day.

Why do you think anisongs are getting more and more popular worldwide?

TRUE: Japanese anime is not just for Japan anymore. Places like Netflix are willing to invest and create many anime shows. In the midst of that, I believe anisong is the bridge that connects anime to the world. People from all different cultures and languages can connect with the same excitement. What a wonderful thing! It might sound naïve, but I'm truly blessed to be singing in such peaceful setting.

Please leave a message for JaME readers.

TRUE: I'm celebrating my fifth anniversary, so I'm really excited that I get to see everyone! I'm grateful for all the support the fans around the world give me. I won't forget how anime and anisong shaped me and I will return all the love you gave me through my songs, so please continue to support me! Let's make this concert great!

JaME would like to thank TRUE, Anisong World Matsuri and Resonance Media for this interview opportunity.

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